Risk is the word on everyone lips at the present time, hardly surprising given recent events, but some companies it seems are sweating more heavily than others.

Soaring oil prices, political and social unrest and the threat of terrorism are just four very good reasons why CPO’s are ducking for cover, but AON’s latest economic and political risk map gives businesses a global perspective on where to tread especially carefully over the next 12 months. And the message appears to be clear – if your global supply chain encompasses Iran, Nigeria or Venezuela then there could be trouble ahead.

Of the world’s top 50 economies, those three countries came out on top when it comes to civil unrest, war, terrorism and non-payment by governments for services rendered. Elsewhere, supply chain risks in Asia – graphically illustrated over the past 12 months – are once again high on the corporate agenda, as are the problems seen in some of the world’s fastest growing economies.

With the credit crunch also bringing some unwelcome side effects in both the US and Europe, times appear to be tough – a fact that no-one in procurement needs reminding.